Tom Hanks to Star as Major Matt Mason

Space man ... Tom Hanks in Apollo 13 (1995). Photograph: Kobal

Tom Hanks is set to again play the role of an astronaut in a new film based on Mattel’s astronaut action figure developed in the 60s.

According to Variety, Hanks will star as Major Matt Mason in the live-action feature that will be developed by Universal Pictures and co-produced by the actor.

The toy line that featured Mason, who led an astronaut team that lived and worked on Earth’s satellite in a space station, grew in popularity during the buildup to the first manned moon mission in July 1969.

Mattel retired the toy in the 70s after the public’s interest in moon missions declined in December 1972.

Hanks, 52, previously appeared onscreen wearing an astronaut’s suit in 1995’s Apollo 13, where he played Jim Lovell, who commanded the Apollo 13's 1970 mission that experienced a flare-up, but safely returned to Earth following the efforts of the crew and mission control.